Television presenter Kirstie Allsopp has made a direct appeal to the government, calling for the complete abolition of stamp duty land tax. The Location, Location, Location star presented her case to the Treasury Committee on Thursday, 13 November 2025, arguing that the tax is causing significant damage to the UK's housing market.
The Case Against Stamp Duty
Allsopp contended that the current property tax system is particularly harmful to those trying to get onto the property ladder. She stated that stamp duty is damaging the housing stock for first-time buyers and is effectively pushing young people into purchasing homes they cannot genuinely afford. The property expert elaborated that the high upfront cost of the tax discourages people from moving, leading them to undertake often unsuitable renovations on smaller properties instead of trading up to larger homes that better suit their needs.
Expert Support and Wider Implications
Her views found strong support from Professor Tim Leunig, who also addressed the committee. Professor Leunig highlighted a perverse incentive within the system, noting that it encourages first-time buyers to purchase larger, more expensive homes initially. This strategy is an attempt to avoid paying stamp duty multiple times as their families grow and their housing needs change. This behaviour, he suggested, further distorts the market.
The Treasury Committee is actively exploring potential reforms to property taxation. This evidence session is part of its work ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's upcoming Budget, which is scheduled to be delivered on 26 November.
A Critical Moment for Housing Policy
The testimony from Allsopp and Professor Leunig places a sharp focus on the government's upcoming fiscal decisions. With the housing market being a critical issue for many voters, the Chancellor's Budget announcement will be closely watched for any signs of reform. The core argument presented is that abolishing stamp duty could create a more fluid and fairer property market, ultimately benefiting first-time buyers and the economy as a whole.
